It is known that on August 31, 2024, the Government Office issued Notice No. 403/TB-VPCP on the conclusion of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the Conference on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).

Accordingly, the Prime Minister assessed that the implementation of the fight against IUU fishing has had positive changes, achieving specific results. However, there are still many unfinished tasks, some shortcomings and limitations that have not been thoroughly resolved, especially the EC's recommendations. Specifically: the situation of disconnecting VMS equipment has not been effectively prevented; "3 no" fishing vessels have not been completely handled; the handling and punishment of IUU violations have not been strict. In particular, the situation of fishing vessels and fishermen illegally exploiting foreign waters is still complicated...

To achieve the goal of removing the "Yellow Card" warning after the 5th inspection by the EC Inspection Team (expected in October 2024); The Prime Minister requested the heads of relevant central and local departments, ministries, branches to unify awareness, focus on leadership, direction, and take drastic actions to carry out the task of combating IUU fishing, promptly complete the overcoming of existing problems and limitations; in which, focus on effectively implementing key tasks and solutions. Thoroughly grasp the contents and tasks and strictly implement the direction of the Secretariat in Directive No. 32-CT/TW, Resolution No. 52/NQ-CP of the Government, the direction of the Prime Minister, the Head of the National Steering Committee on IUU to ensure progress; attach responsibility to the heads of Party committees, authorities at all levels and functional forces with this implementation.

Prioritize the allocation of resources to prevent and end the situation of fishing vessels illegally exploiting seafood in foreign waters; especially in the provinces of Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Binh Dinh... Strengthen the police and border guards to coordinate with local authorities (communes/wards/towns) in key areas: both to propagate and mobilize, and to promptly detect and prevent early and from a distance fishing vessels and fishermen intending to illegally exploit in foreign waters. Effectively implement and thoroughly apply the provisions of Resolution No. 04/2024/NQ-HDTP of the Council of Judges of the Supreme People's Court.

In addition, the Ministries of Public Security and National Defense are assigned to proactively coordinate closely with localities to investigate, prosecute, prosecute, and strictly try 100% of cases related to sending fishing vessels and fishermen to illegally exploit in foreign waters; disconnecting, sending, transporting VMS equipment, brokerage, connection, and serious violations as prescribed in Resolution No. 04/2024/NQ-HDTP.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Minister, Head of ministerial-level agencies, Government agencies, Secretaries of provincial and municipal Party Committees, and Chairmen of People's Committees of coastal provinces and centrally run cities are responsible to the Secretariat, the Government, and the Prime Minister for leading and directing the implementation of the task of combating IUU fishing in their units and for allowing violations to continue to occur and failing to complete assigned tasks in the coming time.

Propose that the Provincial Party Committee Secretaries, City Party Committees, and Chairmen of the People's Committees of coastal provinces and centrally-run cities directly lead, direct, and ensure the completion of the following tasks. Accordingly, review all cases of violations of IUU exploitation since the 4th EC inspection to date, focusing first on handling cases of disconnecting, sending, and transporting VMS equipment, crossing maritime boundaries; brokerage, collusion, and violations of illegal exploitation in foreign waters... Continue to investigate, verify, and resolutely punish (100%) all violations.

In addition, focus on maximizing resources to mobilize and strengthen local forces, especially local authorities (communes/wards/towns) in key areas, closely coordinate with border guards and police to both propagate and mobilize, and promptly prevent and handle early and remotely fishing vessels and fishermen who intend to violate, especially in the provinces of Kien Giang, Ca Mau, Binh Dinh, Ba Ria - Vung Tau... Urgently complete the work of fleet management, registration, inspection, granting of fishing licenses, marking of fishing vessels, granting of certificates of facilities meeting food safety and hygiene conditions for fishing vessels, and thoroughly handle "3 no" fishing vessels.

Strictly control fishing vessels entering and leaving the port, monitor the output of exploited aquatic products; resolutely handle the responsibility of the Fishing Port Management Board, the Office of Fisheries Inspection and Control at the fishing port for fishing vessels violating IUU fishing entering and leaving the port, loading and unloading exploited aquatic products without verification and handling according to regulations.

Urgently and seriously implement the electronic traceability system (eCDT) to ensure transparency and legality in confirming, certifying and tracing the origin of exploited aquatic products. At the same time, request the Fisheries Associations, Fisheries Enterprises to seriously implement IUU regulations; strictly prohibit the purchase, processing and export of aquatic products originating from IUU fishing; strictly prohibit the act of colluding with relevant organizations and individuals to legalize documents for IUU fishing products for export to the European market...